November 19, 2001

The Embassy of Sweden

Beijing, China

Nordic Falun Gong Association:

Thank you for your letter and the introduction of the situation of the Falun Gong practitioners in China and other countries.

It must have occurred to you that we have, on different occasions, urged the Chinese government to stop its severe violation of the human rights of the Falun Gong practitioners. We have adopted various means such as holding direct bilateral talks with the Chinese government with regard to the issue of human rights, holding talks via the European Union or submitting resolutions to the United Nations. Apart from that, the Swedish government has carried out some long-term cooperation projects in Sweden, EEC, and UN aiming to improve the human rights in China to various degrees. These projects include communication programs for improving human rights and urging the Chinese government to observe the agreements on international human rights that they have signed. Early this year China signed some basic agreements (treaties) regarding economic, social and cultural rights. Now in the EEC and international social organizations, Sweden is actively urging China to sign basic agreements on citizen's rights and political rights as well.

We will continue to pay close attention and keep a correct attitude towards the treatment that the Falun Gong practitioners receive, and condemn the violation of human rights of this group and others by the Chinese government.

Best regards, á

Kjell Anneling

Swedish Ambassador to China á

Source:áá http://www.clearharmony.net/articles/2176.html