overseas media on Falun Gong

Chinese Vice Premier Li Lanqing has called on Party organizations, officials at various levels and the general public to carry on with the determined fight against the Falun Gong cult, in order to create a favorable environment for social and economic development.

He made the call at a grand gathering Monday in Beijing organized by seven Party and government departments to commend 110 organizations and 271 individuals that have distinguished themselves in the fight against the Falun Gong cult.

Li, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, lauded the efforts of the organizations and individuals in combating the cult.

He condemned the cult for deceiving the people in the name of "truthfulness, kindness and tolerance", exerting "spiritual control" over its followers by preaching nonsense like "the end of the world", and its defiance of the law in organizing illegal demonstrations and disturbing social order.

The cult has greatly hurt the physical and mental health of its followers, undermined the interests of the people, and greatly disturbed China's economic construction, social order and political stability, he said.

The vice premier pointed out that the actions taken by the Chinese government have been proved correct, and completely conform to the historical tide of human civilization and the interests of the state and the people.

The actions have also won the understanding and support of the Chinese people, the overseas compatriots, and countries and individuals worldwide on the side of righteousness.

While stressing the need for continued struggle against the small bunch of stubborn followers who have become criminals, the vice premier also called for the greatest efforts to save the majority of the cult's followers by persuasion, reason and law, so that they will rid themselves of the spiritual fetters of the Falun Gong cult and return to normal society as soon as possible.

(Xinhua)