Strengthening global communications in the field of law is important in building a harmonious world.
 
This remark was made yesterday by the President of the Supreme People's Court Xiao Yang, on the eve of the 22nd Congress on the Law of the World.

"It also plays an important role in world peace," the Chief Justice told a ceremony to celebrate World Law Day.

Usually, World Law Day falls on the eve of the biennial congress, an international conference sponsored by the World Jurist Association.

With the theme of "the Rule of Law and Harmony of International Society", the 22nd congress will open today in Beijing and move to Shanghai on Wednesday for another two-day session.

Xiao said: "Building a harmonious world with the rule of law requires participation and efforts from legal professionals worldwide."

"We will strive for the goal with continuous efforts," he said.

Ronald Greenberg, First Vice-President of the World Jurist Association, echoed Xiao's views yesterday. "Under the current world situation, no theme is more timely and important than 'the Rule of Law and Harmony of International Society' for the congress," he said.

The association strives for peace through law and aims to achieve harmony among people, according to the First Vice-President.

He said it is a pleasure for the congress to return to Beijing for the first time since 1990, when the 14th congress was held in the capital city.

According to sources from the Chinese organizers, over 1,500 delegates from home and abroad will take part in the week-long congress.

Among them are 450 overseas delegates from 60 countries and regions, including justices, prosecutors, lawyers, law professors and senior judicial officials.

A total of 160 people from over 30 countries and regions will speak at the panel sessions on 22 topics in Beijing and Shanghai, sources said.

Panel discussions will be held today at the Great Hall of the People over nine topics such as International Terrorism, Family Law, Real Estate and Property Law, International Criminal Law, Alternative Dispute Resolution: Commercial Arbitration and Conciliation as well as International Investment and Transnational Corporation Law.

Ved Nanda, honorary president of the World Jurist Association, expressed gratitude yesterday to the Chinese organizers for the good job they have done.

(China Daily September 5, 2005)