On July 10, 2008, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Liu Jianchao held a regular press conference and answered questions on the Six-Party Talks, Iranian Nuclear Issue, Beijing Olympic Games and etc.

Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen.

I'd like to begin with an announcement. At the invitation of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi, the Foreign Minister of Montenegro, Milan Rocen, will visit China from July 15 to 16.

Now, the floor is open.

Q: Dechen Khando Pemba, an British citizen was deported on July 8. She said that she was accused of breaking Chinese laws. What laws did she break? Moreover, do the recent problems with the application of Chinese visas by foreign citizens have anything to do with the strengthening of security measures by the Chinese side before the Olympics?

A: Dechen Khando Pemba is a key member of "Tibetan Youth Congress", a national separatist organization. She has been engaged in illegal activities during her stay in China. The relevant Chinese authorities have launched investigation against her according to law. Pemba herself admitted her engagement in activities against Chinese laws during her stay in China after being interrogated by relevant Chinese authorities, and left China on July 8.

This deportation has no necessary connection with the strengthening of security measures of the Olympic Games. Anybody who is engaged in illegal activities at anytime will certainly be dealt with according to law. In order to guarantee the safety of the Beijing Olympic Games, the big Olympic family and all the foreign athletes, coaches, audience and tourists, we have taken necessary security measures during the period of the Olympic Games. Your understanding and support will be appreciated.

Q: What's the topic of the Six-Party Talks beginning this afternoon? Will the verification regime and monitoring mechanism agreed by the parties be discussed?

A: The meeting of the heads of delegations will be held in Fangfeiyuan of Diaoyutai State Guesthouse at 4 p.m today. The discussion will focus on the measures and steps for the further implementation of the second-phase action in a comprehensive and balanced way. The parties will also exchange views on other issues of common concerns. I think the verification regime and monitoring mechanism you referred to will be on the discussion list.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Working Group of the Denuclearization of Korean Peninsula and the Working Group of Economic and Energy Cooperation will also hold meetings to make arrangement for further implementation of the second-phase action.

In less than one hour, the heads of delegations will gather in Fangfeiyuan, and my colleague attending the meeting will brief you on the meeting.

Q: Is China satisfied with the current situation in Darfur? How do you assess the relationship between China and President Bashir of Sudan? Is he regarded as a friend of China?

A: I would like to emphasize that Sudan is a friendly country to China and the two countries have normal relations. China is closely following the situation in Darfur and has made its due contribution to resolving the humanitarian crisis there, including communication with relevant parties of Sudan, exchanges of views with the international community on the issue, assistance and peace-keeping military engineers to Darfur. The only purpose of these moves is to ease the humanitarian situation in Darfur, so that Sudanese people could live in peace, stability and development.

On the Darfur issue, we uphold the double track strategy of parallel progress in peacekeeping operation and the political process, on one hand to implement the agreement reached by the United Nations, African Union and the Sudanese Government, on the other hand, to urge relevant parties to speed up negotiations so as to reach political agreements at an early date. We will continue to play a positive role in resolving the Darfur issue in Sudan.

Q: This week, some Olympic Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHBs) expressed concern that they might not be able to have live broadcasts freely of the Beijing Olympic Games. What measures will China take to ensure the live broadcasting of the Games?

A: It is a shared wish of the Chinese government and the Beijing Olympic Organizing Committee to show a splendid Beijing Olympic Games to the world through world media's live broadcasting. Relevant authorities will try hard to provide convenience and support for media from around the world to this end, and try their best to meet common or different requests from the media. However, due to constraints of various factors, we may not be able to make everybody totally satisfied. If so, your understanding will be appreciated. If you have any further requests, you may approach relevant authorities. Since the Foreign Ministry has close contacts with you, we will also timely forward your requests and suggestions to relevant departments. I hope that through our joint efforts and with your understanding and cooperation, the problems will be solved satisfactorily.

Q: Recently, heads of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee had contact with Dalai's private representatives. Does the Chinese central government think Dalai has no direct connections with the "Tibetan Youth Congress"? Is there any change on the central government's attitude toward Dalai?

A: The Foreign Ministry is not directly involved in the contact between relevant departments of the central government and Dalai's private representatives. The United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee has released information on the contact and answered questions in this regard. If you have any further questions, please contact the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

Q: It is reported that yesterday police in Xinjiang shot dead five suspects, claiming that they were plotting terrorist attacks. But some human rights organizations regard the claim as an exaggeration. What's your comment?

A: There are sufficient facts and evidence to prove that there are terrorist organizations conducting separatist activities in Xinjiang. Recently, local public security carried out operations to crack down terrorists. It is our view that the international community should apply same standard on the issue of cracking down terrorism, and joint hands in fighting terrorism. For detailed information regarding the case you mentioned, please refer to the police departments.

Q: Iran's long range missile test yesterday stirred the concern of the international community on the situation in the Middle East. What's the comment of the Chinese side?

A: We express our concern over the relevant situation. The current situation in the Middle East is complicated and sensitive. We hope the measures taken by the parties concerned could be conductive to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

Q: The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympic Games will be held on August 8. How many state leaders has China invited? How many of them have confirmed their attendance of the Olympic Games so far?

A: We are verifying the relevant figures.

I have already given an introduction of the relevant procedures of how the foreign leaders are invited to attend the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games during the press conference last week. I would repeat if necessary. According to the relevant IOC regulations and the usual practice of the Olympic Games, the heads of state and government of a country participate in relevant Olympic activities as registered distinguished guests at the invitation of their national Olympic Committee.

As the host, we welcome leaders of all countries to China to attend and watch Beijing Olympic Games including the Opening Ceremony.

Q: What feelings do the Chinese people hold towards the French people? Secondly, why the live broadcast in the Tian'anmen Square could only be done during particular time slot in the Olympics?

A: In fact, President Hu Jintao made a comprehensive assessment of the China-France relationship while meeting President Sarkozy in Lake Toya, Hokkaido of Japan. He believes that the bilateral relations have moved forward generally since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1964. And France has taken the lead, among western countries, in developing relations with China, which deserves to be cherished by both sides.

At the end of last year, President Sarkozy made a state visit to China, which was highly valued by both China and France. During the visit, the two sides exchanged views on major issues and reached extensive common ground, giving a strong push to bilateral ties and cooperation in various fields. China appreciates President Sarkozy's adherence to the One China policy, opposition to Taiwan Independence and reiteration that Tibet is an inalienable part of the Chinese territory.

It's undeniable that some undue difficulties have popped up. President Hu Jintao said that the difficulties are not desirable for both sides, and stressed this is not China's fault. We have noted that France has taken some measures to improve its relations with China, and we think highly of that. We hope the two sides, joining hands together, endeavor to turn over this page in our relations as soon as possible. China and France, both countries of major impact in the world, should view and handle the bilateral relations from strategic and long-term perspective, remove the obstacles so as to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral ties.

President Sarkozy also reiterated during the meeting that China is playing a bigger role in world affairs, the world peace and stability requires China's efforts and many issues could not be resolved without China. He attaches great importance to developing relations with China, underscores China as the strategic partner of France, and hopes to enhance dialogue and cooperation in bilateral, international and regional issues.

Through the latest meeting we could see that leaders of the two countries highly value the bilateral relations and are willing to make efforts to improve and develop the relationship. The two sides, moving to improve and develop our relations, will win support and understanding from their people.

As to your second question, the specific arrangement is made by BOCOG and relevant authorities. I have taken note that there are some complaints over that. In fact, it is necessary to make such arrangement in the Tian'anmen Square to maintain public order, given the frequent major events and tourists there.

Q: Could you give us some specifics on the upcoming dialogue between Iran and the EU?

A: Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi has received the letter from Iranian Foreign Minister Mottaki, expressing Iran's willingness to conduct constructive negotiations with EU and the six parties. We believe the resumption of talks are faced with new opportunities, and we hope relevant parties adhere to diplomatic resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue, exert flexibility so as to resume dialogue and negotiations, the main means to resolve the issue, at an early date.

Q: Will China take some measures to prevent Chinese citizens make protests during French President Sarkozy's attendance at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics?

A: China, as the host of the Games, welcomes foreign leaders to attend relevant activities, and wishes the best performance of every athlete. As is known to all, China is a country of courtesy, so are its people. I believe the Chinese people will receive all the foreign officials, leaders, athletes and tourists alike with sincerity and hospitality.

If there are no more questions, thanks for your attendance!