QATARI AND CHINESE AMBASSADORS PRAISE USG DIPLOMATIC

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000759 DEPT FOR SE GRATION, S/USSES, AF A/S CARSON, AF/C NSC FOR MGAVIN DEPT PLS PASS TO USAID FOR AFR/SUDAN ADDIS ABABA ALSO FOR USAU CAIRO FOR CROWAN SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV PREL CASC KPKO SOCI AU UNSC SU SUBJECT: QATARI AND CHINESE AMBASSADORS PRAISE USG DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS IN SUDAN ¶1. (SBU) During courtesy calls by Charge d'Affaires (CDA) Whitehead June 16, the Qatari and Chinese Ambassadors both expressed strong support for current U.S. diplomatic efforts in Sudan. Qatari Ambassador to Sudan Ali Bin Hassan Al-Hammadi told CDA that USG initiatives s to solve the problem of Darfur and facilitate CPA implementation will give the U.S. "a good face in the region" and greater respect in the Arab world. Al-Hammadi avoided addressing specifics on the Doha peace talks on Darfur, but acknowledged that all political forces, including traditional leaders and civil society, should be incorporated in the Doha process. ¶2. (SBU) Chinese Ambassador Li Chengwen also praised current U.S. diplomatic engagement. He told the CDA that "stability and development should be most important above all considerations" in Sudan. He said that many fear a return to full-scale war if the South secedes. He argued that the North/South problem is "more fundamental than Darfur." Chengwen called for greater focus on the CPA and expressed support for the June 23 CPA Forum conference hosted by U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan General Scott Gration, noting that the Chinese Special Envoy to Sudan would attend. Chengwen touted China's large contingents of peacekeepers in Sudan, including 315 UNAMID engineers and 475 UNMIS engineers/medics/specialists. In addition, he said China plans to increase its development assistance to Darfur, as well as the size of its diplomatic presence in Juba. (NOTE: A Chinese company recently completed the new headquarters of the GOSS Legislature in Juba. END NOTE). ¶3. (SBU) COMMENT: The Qataris are keen to facilitate a deal on Darfur to raise their regional political profile, as well as to secure their growing commercial interests in Sudan (primarily in agricultural schemes for the moment.) The Chinese Ambassador's comments on development and security reflect his country's primary focus on economic interests rather than humanitarian concerns. END COMMENT. ASQUINO