Liu urges for peaceful reunification of China

Associations promoting the peaceful reunification of China around the world represented a strong force for the reunification of the Motherland, the Vice-Chairwoman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), Ms Liu Yandong, said in Macao today. She made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 'Overseas Chinese World Conference for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China 2006' this morning. Ms Liu, who is also the Head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said since the reunification of Hong Kong and Macao with the Motherland, the Central Government had maintained the principles of 'One Country, Two Systems', 'Hong Kong People Governing Hong Kong' and 'Macao People Governing Macao' and 'a high degree of autonomy' in the SARs. The Central Government had continuously supported the lawful governance by the Chief Executives and showed concern about the well-being of the SAR residents, she said. The two SARs had continued to prosper under the leadership of the two Chief Executives, and the principles of 'One Country, Two Systems', 'Hong Kong People Governing Hong Kong' and 'Macao People Governing Macao' and 'a high degree of autonomy' were proved to be completely correct, Ms Liu said. The Communist Party of China and the Central Government had shown their determination and efforts in promoting China's peaceful reunification, as well as their sincerity in seeking benefits for the compatriots in Taiwan. Ms Liu said that opposing the 'Taiwan independence' secessionists was the most urgent task for Chinese all over the world. Speaking at the same ceremony, the Chief Executive, Mr Edmund Ho Hau Wah, said since Macao's reunification with the motherland, the Special Administrative Region had developed steadily in harmony. Macao's achievement reflected the Central Government's all-round support, he said. Macao, benefiting from the principles of 'One Country, Two Systems', 'Macao People Governing Macao' and enjoyed a high degree of autonomy, had functioned as a showcase for China's Peaceful Reunification, said Mr Ho. In recent years, increasing exchanges between the communities of the two sides across the Taiwan Straits had promoted a harmonious atmosphere for China's Peaceful Reunification. And Macao could act more actively in the beneficial interaction between the two sides across the Taiwan Straits. He said the principle of 'One Country, Two Systems' guaranteed a prosperous future for Macao, and a better understanding on Macao's development by compatriots in Taiwan and Chinese all over the world would help them seek a solution for China's Peaceful Reunification. The 'Overseas Chinese World Conference for Promoting Peaceful Reunification of China 2006' was held in the Macao East Asian Games Dome this morning. The Chairman of Macao Region China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful National Reunification (MRCCPPR), Mr Lao Ngai Leong, read a congratulatory telegram from the Chairman of the 10th CPPCC and the Chairman of China Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification, Mr Jia Qinling, at the ceremony. The President of MRCCPPR, Mr Chui Sai Cheong; the Chairman of the New Party, Mr Yok Mu-ming; the Deputy Director of the Basic Law Committee of the Hong Kong SAR of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress (NPC), Ms Elsie Leung Oi-Sie, and the Chairman of Australian Council for the Promotion of Peaceful Reunification of China, Mr Qiu Weilian, also delivered speeches. After the opening ceremony, Ms Liu Yandong officiated at the opening ceremony of a photo exhibition to commemorate the seventh anniversary of the return of Macao to the motherland.