Chinese rebel clamours for restoration of rights

BEIJING, November 27: Veteran Chinese dissident Qin Yongmin has made a bold written appeal to President Jiang Zemin calling for the restora...

BEIJING, November 27: Veteran Chinese dissident Qin Yongmin has made a bold written appeal to President Jiang Zemin calling for the restoration of rights the Communist Party took from the people in 1950.

"We want the Chinese Government to return to us our civil and political rights," the Wuhan-based activist said, calling his letter a declaration on the part of like-minded people.

"Mr President, you have promised to make efforts for human rights and democracy, therefore you must give us these rights completely and as soon as possible," Qin said in his second open letter in 11 days.

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He vowed to continue to write to Jiang regularly "until the day when I and people I represent obtain the freedom of speech, Press and Assembly".

But the dissident struck a conciliatory note with authorities, denying he wanted Communist Party rule replaced with Western-style multi-party democracy.

"It is necessary for stability and the happiness of the people that the party remain in power for some time to come," he said.

He demanded, however, that the National People’s Congress — China’s Parliament — be given greater power so as to better reflect the people’s will in Government.

Public Safety Minister Gary Anandasangaree said the designation gives law enforcement “enhanced powers to combat a group that has instilled fear through violence and intimidation”.

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