FEBRUARY 5 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: HUMAN RIGHTS, IRAN, DPRK,

UNCLAS BEIJING 000287 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM SENV CH CA IR KN SUBJECT: FEBRUARY 5 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: HUMAN RIGHTS, IRAN, DPRK, BALI ROADMAP, GUANTANAMO UIGHURS ¶1. Key points at the February 5 MFA Press Briefing: -- China "attaches great importance" to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) upcoming review of China's human rights record. -- China hopes the P5-plus-1 countries will "stick to diplomatic negotiations" and show "creativity" to resolve the Iranian nuclear issue. -- China is willing to work with other countries on climate change and has made great efforts to reduce its emissions. -- China has consistently made efforts to promote reconciliation and dialogue on the Korean Peninsula. -- China opposes any country accepting ethnic Uighur PRC-citizen detainees held at Guantanamo Bay. Human Rights -------------- ¶2. China "attaches great importance" to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) upcoming review of China's human rights record, said spokesperson Jiang Yu at the February 5 regularly scheduled MFA press conference. Jiang noted that China has submitted its human rights report to the UNHRC and expects a constructive dialogue during the review process. She said China respects and protects human rights and has achieved "remarkable progress" in improving human rights in China. Jiang expressed hope that the UNHRC will "objectively" look at China's human rights record, noting that it is normal for countries to have different views on human rights and that these differences should be resolved through dialogue. Iran -------------- ¶3. Responding to a question about Iran, Jiang said Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi met with other P5-plus-1 Political Directors in Germany February 4 to discuss the Iranian nuclear issue. Jiang noted AFM Liu's comments that the six countries should "stick to diplomatic negotiations," expand diplomatic efforts and show "creativity" in seeking a long-term, appropriate settlement to the issue. DPRK -------------- ¶4. Responding to a journalist's comment that China has remained silent in the face of North Korea's recent provocations, Jiang said China has consistently made efforts to promote reconciliation and dialogue on the Korean Peninsula. She noted that China's aid to the DPRK is aimed at helping the people overcome economic difficulties, adding that maintaining stability is in the interest of the entire Korean Peninsula. Guantanamo Uighurs -------------- ¶5. In response to a question about media reports that the Canadian Government is considering accepting some of the Uighur detainees held at Guantanamo Bay, Jiang said China opposes any country accepting the ethnic Uighur PRC-citizen detainees. She expressed hope that "relevant parties" will follow international law and "properly handle" this issue. Bali Roadmap -------------- ¶6. Regarding the Bali Roadmap for a future international agreement on climate change, Jiang said China has made great efforts to reduce emissions and has integrated environmental protection plans into national plans for economic development. Noting that progress on implementation of the Bali Roadmap has been "sluggish," she said the international community should work together to fully implement the Roadmap. Jiang said developed countries should take the lead in efforts to reduce emissions, adding that developing countries can make a great contribution if developed countries "abide by their commitments" and transfer necessary technology to developing countries. Although China's per capita emissions are "relatively small," China is willing to work with other countries on climate change, Jiang stated. PICCUTA