(Clearwisdom.net)

4th November 2002

Dear [Friends of Falun Gong]:

Thank you for your letter drawing my attention to the proposed Article 23 legislation in Hong Kong.

I have raised the issue of persecution of the Falun Gong in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing when a European Parliament delegation met Chinese ministers and I objected to the serious oppression they endure. Recently I have had a meeting with members of the Legislative Council of Hong Kong and raised my deep concerns about the increasing pressure being exerted by Beijing on Hong Kong's liberal legislative traditions.

Rest assured I will do my utmost to continue to try and persuade the Chinese government that a more liberal attitude should be adopted, although as I am sure you are aware this is no easy task.

Yours sincerely,

Struan Stevenson MEP