Cablegate: April 24 Mfa Press Briefing: Six-Party Talks, Bda,

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RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL 0328
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002746

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL MNUC KS KN IN PK AF RS
SUBJECT: APRIL 24 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, BDA,
FOOD CONTAMINATION, TIBET, CHINA-INDIA BOUNDARY TALKS,
PAKISTAN FM VISIT, YELTSIN'S DEATH

1. Key points at the April 24 MFA Press Conference made by
MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao were:

-- Technical questions remain on the Banco Delta Asia issue,
specifically how DPRK parties can acquire their money through
normal transfer of funds.

-- Liu made no comment on whether FDA officials would receive
visas to investigate reports of contaminated food products in
China.

-- Accusations of increased religious persecution in Tibet
were discarded as groundless.

-- China calls exchange of ideas during the 10th round of
boundary talks with India deep, candid and friendly.

-- China and Pakistan exchanged ideas on Afghanistan during
Pakistan FM Aziz' visit to China.

-- The MFA expressed deep condolences over the death of
former Russian President Yeltsin who was called a true friend
to the Chinese people who contributed greatly to the
Sino-Russian bilateral relationship.

No New Information on BDA Issue, 6-Party Talks
--------------------------------------------- -

2. At the April 24 regular press briefing, MFA Spokesman Liu
Jianchao again stated that some technical questions remain on
the BDA issue, specifically how DPRK parties can acquire
their money through normal transfer of funds. Asked for an
update on the progress and possible resumption of Six-Party
Talks, Liu reminded reporters of the Fifth Round's success
and the commitment of all parties to implement the initial
actions of the February 13 Joint Document. Additionally, he
called for cooperative attitudes and efforts to denuclearize
the Korean peninsula at an early date. Liu did not respond
to a question asking for comment on Japanese criticism of the
DPRK's sincerity in shutting down the Yongbyon facilities.

FDA To Investigate Melamine in China?
-------------------------------------

3. When asked if FDA officials would receive visas to visit
China for the purpose of investigating melamine-tainted food
products, Liu referred questions to the General
Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and
Quarantine.

Groundless Accusations of Persecution in Tibet
--------------------------------------------- -

4. The spokesman expressed China's strong anger at
accusations by the NGO International Campaign for Tibet of
increased religious persecution in Tibet, discarding the
claims as groundless. Asked for information on the
whereabouts and personal freedom of the boy chosen by the
Dalai Lama as the Panchen Lama, Liu said he is living a free
life just like other youths in China.

India Border Talks
------------------

5. China and India had a deep, andid and friendly exchange
of ideas during the 10th round of boundary talks, said Liu.
EVFM Dai Bingguo represented China at the talks and met with
Indian leaders and Foreign Ministry officials. Both sides
have made joint effors to promote the process and the two
countries are enjoying greater cooperation and mutual trust.
The next round of talks will be held in China.

China, Pakistan Exchange Ideas on Afghanistan
--------------------------------------------

6. During Pakistan PM Aziz'svisit to China, the two sides
exchanged ideas on Afghanistan and both countries are making
joint efforts to promote the peace, stability and development
of the region, said Liu in response to questions regarding a
China-Pakistan common strategy on Afghanistan. China and
Pakistan are friendly neighbors committed to further
developing their strategic partnership, Liu added.

"Deep Condolences" Over Yeltsin's Passing Away
---------------------------------------------

7. The spokesman expressed the MFA's deep condolences over

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the death of former Russian President Yeltsin and praised him
as a true friend to the Chinese people who contributed
greatly to the Sino-Russian bilateral relationship. Liu was
unaware of whether leaders from other countries were invited
to attend tomorrow's funeral service, adding if a China sends
a telegraph of condolences the MFA will release the relevant
information.
RANDT

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