General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Hu Jintao has called on Party organizations and governments at all levels to handle well ethnic issues under the new situation and continue to make new progress.

Hu, also president of China, made the call at a group study session of the Party's leadership, which was held here Thursday and focused on issues of the history of relations between various ethnic groups in China. Two experts were invited to give lectures.

Chairing the study session, Hu said the issue of ethnic affairs is always a major issue concerning the overall work of the Party and the state. All Party members, especially the leading cadres, must constantly enrich their knowledge in this field and improve their capability in handling and solving issues related to ethnic affairs.

China has embarked on a correct road in handling ethnic affairs. The socialist ethnic relationship of equality, unity and mutual help has been developed and consolidated continuously, he said.

Hu pointed out that the first 20 years of this century is a major strategic period of opportunity for China's reform and development and also a crucial period for promoting common prosperity and development of all ethnic groups. He called for efforts to accelerate economic and social development in areas inhabited by ethnic minorities.

He urged Party committees and governments at various levels to give priority to helping ethnic minorities to solve their problems in production and daily life, unite people of all ethnic groups to work with one will in the building of a relative affluent society in an all-round way.

(Xinhua News Agency October 23, 2004)