Germany: Federal Presidential Ministry Concerned about the Human Rights Situation in China

Federal Presidential Ministry.
Spreeweg, 1
BERLIN.

August 3rd 2004

Dear…..

Mr. Koehler, Federal President of the Federal Republic of Germany, asked me to thank you for your letter, dated July 12th 2004. We appreciate you keeping us abreast concerning the Falun Gong adherents' situation in China, including the most recent South Africa event. The Federal President requested that I reply to your letter. The Federal President receives daily a large volume of correspondence from many sources. Therefore, we sincerely hope that you forgive us for responding on his behalf.

The Federal President has a high regard and deep concerns regarding human rights. This is especially true concerning such matters in China. Our predecessors have addressed human rights during all the meetings with former President Jiang Zemin and former Vice President Hu Jintao. Last year, D. Johannes Rau gave a speech on human rights at the University of Nanjing. We assume that you are aware of this event. A few weeks ago, Foreign Affairs Minister Fischer put great emphasis on adhering to human rights during his discussion with his Chinese counterparts.

We join you in the hope for human rights improvements in China. Such improvement is important to China’s interests, because without the rule of law and safeguarding of citizens, especially concerning human rights, we do not believe that a modern society in China can be established.

We will assure you that the Federal President will be cognisant of your concerns before any future discussions with Chinese incumbents.

With best regards,

Translated from German at http://de.clearharmony.net/articles/200408/18784.html