"We hereby extend warm congratulations on the complete success of the session," says the editorial, titled "Embark on the great journey of building a well-off society in an all-round way".

The First Session of the 10th NPC was an important meeting convened at a time when China has just started building a well-off society in an all-round way, says the article, adding that the session has taken Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of Three Represents as its guide and has comprehensively implemented the guidelines of the 16th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held in Beijing last November.

"The session is democratic, united, truth-seeking and encouraging," it says.

The system of people's congresses is a fundamental political system which suits China's actual situation and serves as a guarantee for the country's prosperity and long-term stability, it says.

"It's of great significance to developing socialist democratic politics, promoting a socialist political civilization, consolidating our Party's leading status and our country's socialist system, and building socialism with Chinese characteristics to adhere to and further improve the people's congress system," it adds.

The editorial also points to the fact that this NPC session has elected or approved the appointments of state leaders of a new term. A number of senior leaders, who had bowed out of the CPC Central Committee at last year's 16th Party Congress out of concerns for the interests of the Party and people and for the future of the state and nation, also relinquished their leading positions in the state power organs at this session, it says.

"These senior comrades have made contributions to the realization of a smooth leadership transition in the state power organs, and we should pay high respect to them," it adds.

The editorial says that the Chinese people should take pride in what they have achieved in the past and have full confidence in a more brilliant future for their great motherland.

It calls on people across the country to hold high the banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory, fully implement the important thought of Three Represents, closely rally around the CPC Central Committee with Hu Jintao as general secretary, and work hard for a greater victory for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2003)