CHINA/SUDAN: PRC ENVOY URGES RESTRAINT, SAYS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000629 SIPDIS STATE FOR AF/SPG OLUKEMI YAI AND JAMES SATROM E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/11/2029 TAGS: PREL PGOV EAID KPKO CH SU SUBJECT: CHINA/SUDAN: PRC ENVOY URGES RESTRAINT, SAYS NEGATIVE IMPACT OF NGO EXPULSION/CLOSURE LIMITED REF: STATE 21511 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson for reasons 1.4 (B/D). ¶1. (C) Summary: China is concerned about the expulsion and closure of NGOs operating in Sudan and the negative impact on the humanitarian situation but believes the impact will not be as serious as described by Western media reports, MFA Special Envoy for Darfur Liu Guijin told PolMinCouns March ¶11. PolMinCouns, together with UK Embassy PolCouns, delivered reftel points asking China to urge Sudan to reverse its decision to expel 13 international NGOs and close 3 domestic NGOs. Liu said China supported a low-key response and cautioned against "forcing" the Government of Sudan (GOS) to reverse its decision. Although not happy with Sudan's response to the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant, China credits Sudan with showing restraint and avoiding a violent response to the warrant. China will continue to urge Sudan to show restraint and to engage with the GOS and the UN to adopt emergency measures to avoid a deterioration of the humanitarian situation. End Summary. China Downplays Possible Impact of NGOs Expulsion -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) In response to a joint demarche with UK Embassy PolCouns March 11, PRC Special Envoy for Darfur Liu Guijin told PolMinCouns that China was concerned about the expulsion of NGOs from Sudan and negative impact on the humanitarian situation. However, he said that the impact would not be as serious as described in Western media reports. The Sudanese High Commissioner for Humanitarian Affairs had told the Chinese Ambassador to Sudan that the 13 NGOs being expelled were a small percentage of the 250 Western NGOs in Sudan and 118 international NGOs in "three Darfur states." These 13 NGOs were mainly providing food and water delivery, a function that other NGOs could fulfill, according to the Sudanese official. In "partial" compliance with PRC urging, Liu said, the GOS had shown "a degree of restraint" in response to the March 4 ICC arrest warrant announcement and avoided a violent response. Liu said it was "not surprising" that President Bashir would respond to the ICC arrest warrant by expelling international NGOs but predicted that Sudanese authorities would not take further action "if they do not feel threatened with forceful implementation of the arrest warrant." ICC Arrest Warrant is Cause of NGO Expulsion -------------- ¶3. (C) Liu underscored that China had consistently warned the international community about the possible negative consequences of an ICC arrest warrant, citing China's 2005 abstention from the vote on UNSC Resolution 1593 out of its opposition to involving the ICC in the affairs of non-member states. Dealing with the impunity problem was important but not nearly as important as promoting the political process in Sudan. Liu said that Sudan felt threatened and insulted by the ICC arrest warrant and that that the anger and frustration of the African Union (AU) and Arab League were growing stronger. President Bashir might attend AU and Arab League meetings later this month in Ethiopia and Qatar, both of which would guarantee his safety. As a developing country, China "understands the sentiment" of Sudan and other developing countries in Africa and the Arab world. PolMinCouns urged China to reject Sudan's linkage between the ICC arrest warrant and expulsion of NGOs and stressed the need for P5 unanimity. China Will Continue to Urge GOS Restraint -------------- ¶4. (C) Liu said China would continue to urge Sudan to show restraint and to engage with the UN to adopt emergency measures to avoid a deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Despite Sudan's decision to expel NGOs, the situation in Sudan was "not out of control." Liu cautioned that "pushing too hard to force Sudan to reverse its decision could backfire, sparking a backlash." China and the United States had "identical interests" in maintaining stability in Sudan and implementing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). Liu said China preferred to hold P5 consultations on BEIJING 00000629 002 OF 002 Sudan at the UN, adding that "we need time and common wisdom to handle the situation." Sudan Hinted at NGO Expulsions in Early January -------------- -- ¶5. (C) Liu reported that during his early January visit to Sudan, he had urged Sudanese officials to show restraint in response to an ICC arrest warrant and to protect foreigners and Western embassies in Sudan. At that time, senior Sudanese officials had told him that Sudan would continue to cooperate with UNAMID and provide security at foreign embassies. Sudanese officials also told him that foreign NGOs were welcome to continue their work "if they behaved within their mandate." Liu commented, "Now I understand the true meaning of their message." Liu speculated that the GOS believed the expelled NGOs had provided information on Bashir to the ICC. PICCUTA