VZCZCXRO4710
OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #2746/01 1140905
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 240905Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7191
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 6541
RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL 0328
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 8674
RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 4318

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002746 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
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 
 
BEIJING 00002746  002 OF 002 
 
 
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