Hu also called for profound understanding of and overall implementation of the general arrangement on party building by the recently convened 16th CPC Congress.

Hu made these remarks Tuesday at a national conference on the organizational work of the CPC, which is being held in Beijing.

Zeng Qinghong, member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, presided over the meeting, which was also attended by three other Standing Committee members Wu Guanzheng, Li Changchun and Luo Gan.

In his speech, the CPC general secretary called for upholding the great banner of Deng Xiaoping Theory and guiding the CPC with the Important Thought of "Three Represents", to advance the new, great project of party building in the new period and the new century.

To implement the Important Thought of "Three Represents", the key was to keep pace with the times, the core was to maintain the progressiveness of the CPC, and the nature was to abide by the principle of governing for the people, Hu noted.

The CPC leader stressed that to realize the goal and tasks set by the 16th CPC National Congress, it was essential that leading officials at all levels take the lead and set a good example.

He called for keeping the historic mission in mind and working hard; adhering to the principles of the CPC to govern the country for the people; improving the party-style, seeking truth and being pragmatic; and emphasizing the importance of study and keeping pace with the times.

The general secretary urged all CPC members to "study, study, and once again study, practice, practice, and once again practice, and advance, advance, and advance further."

(Xinhua News Agency December 18, 2002)