The people's congress should voluntarily adhere to the leadership
of the Communist Party of China (CPC), perform its functions
according to law and contribute to the development of socialist
democracy and political civilization in China, Chinese top
legislator Li Peng said Monday in Beijing.
Li, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's
Congress (NPC), China's national legislature, made the remarks when
attending a group discussion of NPC deputies from southwest China's
Chongqing Municipality during the first session of the 10th
NPC.
Li
listened to the speeches of deputies at the meeting and thanked
them for their suggestions and advice to the Standing Committee of
the 9th NPC.
He
said the Standing Committee of the 9th NPC has completed its
five-year term and its historical mission. However, China is still
far off from the target of governing according to law and a
socialist country under the rule of law, as well as requirements of
the people.
He
said although a primary socialist legal system has taken shape in
China, China's legislature still has a long way to go and lots of
work to do, including the amendment of laws made in the past and
making new laws.
Li
urged NPC deputies, whom he called as the backbone force in
building socialism with Chinese characteristics, to keep close
contact with the masses and called on finding more effective ways
for NPC deputies to better play their roles.
Li
said the 16th National Congress of the CPC has put forward the
objective of building a socialist political civilization in China.
An important part of this civilization is governing the country
according to law and building a socialist country under the rule of
law.
"Only through creating a sound environment ruled by law can we
ensure full democracy and freedom for the people. We still have a
lot to do in this field," Li Peng said.
(Xinhua News Agency March 11, 2003)
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