MFA: CHINA INTERSTED IN STABLE AND PEACEFUL

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000090 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/02/2028 TAGS: PREL PGOV TER PARM CH PK SUBJECT: MFA: CHINA INTERSTED IN STABLE AND PEACEFUL PAKISTAN ELECTION AND FORMATION OF NEW GOVERNMENT REF: OSC CP20080105968083 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.4 (B/D). ¶1. (C) MFA Asia Department Deputy Director General Liu Jian briefed PolMinCouns January 8 on Chinese Foreign Minister (FM) Yang Jiechi's January 5 phone call to Pakistan FM Inam-ul Haq. (Note: See also the January 5 report on the telephone conversation by the official PRC news agency Xinhua (ref).) After condemning the December 27 assassination of opposition leader Benazir Bhutto, Li said, FM Yang told Haq that China had noted the Pakistan Government's "serious measures" to control the situation and to "maintain social order." Liu said FM Yang expressed "understanding and respect" for the decision by the Pakistan Election Commission to postpone the date of the parliamentary elections (now scheduled for February 18). FM Yang said China hopes all parties in Pakistan will work together for the interests of the Pakistan and its people in tranquility and development. Liu added that FM Yang said China hopes the elections will go smoothly, and that under the leadership of President Musharraf Pakistan will overcome its temporary difficulties. Liu stressed that China's main concerns are the stability and peacefulness of the election process and the formation of a new government. ¶2. (C) Liu said that FM Haq briefed FM Yang on the current situation, explained the reasons for the election delay, and stressed that the Pakistan Government is determined to carry out three tasks. First, the Government will conduct a thorough investigation of Bhutto's assassination and "severely punish" the perpetrator(s). This is why the Pakistan Government requested the investigative assistance of the United Kingdom. Second, the Government will continue to promote the democratic process and hold a free, fair and transparent election. Third, the Government will continue to fight terrorism and extremism in order to maintain order and stability. ¶3. (C) PolMinCouns thanked Liu for the read-out and stressed the importance of continued U.S.-China exchange of views on Pakistan. RANDT