British Prime Minister Tony Blair has sent out his message of congratulation on the forthcoming 2006 Chinese Lunar New Year Day, which falls on January 29.

 

In a recent message addressed to Chinatown Chinese Association in London, Blair said, "I am delighted to send my best wishes to the Chinese community for the New Year and to wish everyone happiness in the forthcoming Year of Dog."

 

Blair said that the festival has always been important to the Chinese community. Traditionally, it marks the start of plowing planting and the earth coming back to life.

 

The celebrations, Blair said, now reach out well beyond the Chinese community and are shared and enjoyed by people from all backgrounds.

 

"The festival gives us all the chance both to reflect on the great contribution of the Chinese community to this country's success, prosperity and culture and how we all gain from the diversity of our society," Blair said in the message.

 

There are about 200,000 Chinese working or studying in the UK and a lot more people of Chinese origins living in the country.

 

(Xinhua News Agency January 24, 2006)