At a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, presided over by General Secretary Hu Jintao, the participants concluded that the work in Tibet is important to the overall work of the Party and the state.

It was agreed at the meeting that building a socialist new Tibet featuring unity, democracy, affluence, civilization and harmony is of "great significance" to the nationwide efforts to realize the goal of building a relatively affluent society, safeguard national unification and security, and encourage the people of all ethnic groups to work hard together for common prosperity and development.

Under the correct leadership of the central authorities and with the support of the central government and the rest of the country, the people in Tibet have united as one and worked diligently to bring about world-shaking changes over the past decades, said sources closed to the meeting, held on the eve of the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Tibet has witnessed rapid economic development and remarkable improvement in people's living standards. The system of regional autonomy for minority people has been constantly improved in Tibet, where people of all ethnic groups enjoy full rights as masters of the region. The excellent local traditions have been preserved and developed, and the people's rights in the freedom of religious belief are well respected and protected.

The leaders decided at the meeting that work must be done to ensure a big leap forward in economic and social development in Tibet and assure continuous improvement of the Tibetan people's living standards.

They stressed the importance of the work on national and religious affairs in Tibet and the determination to oppose separatist activities of different kinds there.

They urged Party organizations at all levels in Tibet to strengthen capacity building to provide a firm guarantee to development and stability in Tibet.

The leaders also called for good preparations for the 40th anniversary celebrations, the sources said, without giving any details.

(Xinhua News Agency August 27, 2005)