The exchanges on human rights constitute an important component in the relationship between China and the European Union, said a senior Chinese official in Beijing Thursday during the China-EU seminar on ratification of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCRP).  

"The seminar shows once again the aspiration of the two sides to deepen the cooperation on human rights," said Li Jinzhang, assistant to the foreign minister.

The exchanges based on equality and mutual respect promote the mutual understanding between the two sides on human rights, and are in conformity with the Charter of the United Nations, he added.

Li said that China attaches importance to the ICCRP, and the work for its ratification is under way, adding that the legislative, judiciary and administrative departments would be involved.

He noted that China will work with the EU and the international community to lay the foundation for the implementation of the ICCRP.

During the two-day seminar, the representatives exchanged views on the items of the ICCRP, holding that the seminar is beneficial, and helping them have a better understand of the covenant.

The Chinese representatives said that China will take the responsible attitude to study the ICCRP and create the conditions for the early ratification of the covenant.

Declan Connolly, ambassador of the EU rotating country Ireland, also addressed the seminar.

The representatives from the National People's Congress, the Supreme Court, the Foreign Ministry and the EU member states attended the seminar.

(Xinhua News Agency July 2, 2004)