DPA (Deutsche Presse Agentur/German Press Agency), April 5, 2002
Berlin (dpa) – China’s President Jiang Zemin is expected to arrive in Germany beginning Monday to commence an approximately one-week visit to that country. During his stay it is planned for him to meet with Germany’s President Mr. Johannes Rau, Chancellor Mr. Gerhard Schroeder (SPD) [Germany’s Socialist Party) and representatives from economic enterprises. Germany’s government is hoping for information regarding the soon-to-take-place change in leadership in China, so say sources from among government circles in Berlin. Another topic of discussion will be improvements of export of German goods and services for the Chinese market. Germany is China’s most important trade partner in Europe.
From Chinese government sources in Beijing we have heard that the visit will also include dialogue for a closer working relationship with U.N. peace efforts. Germany and China “hold identical views,” so they said, regarding securing peace and anti-terrorism campaigns.
German government sources let it be known that China had made great strides regarding human rights. A further topic of discussion will be the continuing establishment of a legal system for the whole [Chinese] nation that is geared to improve human rights. The comment was made that “dialogue is a better alternative than polemic criticism of China.” China needs support in her reforms efforts and open-door policies.
Human rights organizations and groups, such as the Falun Gong movement [please note that Falun Gong is not a human rights organization or group… - clearharmony editors] , which is banned in China, have already announced they will stage protest actions during President Jiang’s visit.
President Jiang who travels accompanied by his wife Wang Yeping has accepted the invitation from Germany’s President Mr. Rau to visit the country, the second one for Jiang. Grounds for this visit seem to be the 30th anniversary of the opening of diplomatic relations between Germany and China. Also on the agenda is a meeting with an union candidate and chief officer for the CSU-Party, [Christian Socialist Union] Mr. Edmund Stoiber. Mr. Jiang will further meet with several party chiefs as well as with retired German Chancellor Mr. Helmut Kohl. (CDU) [Christian Democratic Union].
The official visitors’ programs will begin at Bellevue Palace in Berlin on Tuesday, commencing with a reception sponsored by Germany’s President, and also a display of military honors. Following that event, Jiang will meet with the German Chancellor. In the evening, President Rau will host a dinner at Bellevue Palace in honor of his guest. Jiang will largely be absent from public view in this capital. There are no plans either for a walk-through at Brandenburg Gate or for a meeting with ordinary citizens.
Besides visiting Berlin, Jiang is planning to travel to and visit the cities of Potsdam, Dresden, Wolfsburg and Goslar. Saturday, April 13, his visit to Germany will come to an end. From Germany he will travel on, to Lybia, Nigeria, Tunesia and finally Iran.
(Original text in German)
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