Role models in ethnic unity

Source: Xinhua  |   2009-9-30  |     NEWSPAPER EDITION

THE Chinese government yesterday honored role models who have made major contributions to ethnic harmony at a ceremony, at which President Hu Jintao urged the promotion of harmony and prosperity among all ethnic groups.

The State Council, or the Cabinet, handed out awards to 739 organizations and 749 individuals.

China would work hard to promote equal and harmonious relations between all ethnic groups and improve social security and livelihoods in ethnic minority areas, Hu said in a speech.

"We will ensure people from all ethnic groups benefit from reform and development," he said.

He urged authorities to learn from their past experiences in promoting ethnic unity and explore new ways to secure harmony.

All members of the public should be mobilized to devote themselves to the cause of promoting ethnic unity, Hu said.

The public should consciously protect China's ethnic unity, social stability and national integrity, he said.

Meanwhile, the Communist Party of China needs to improve its leadership in promoting ethnic unity, and its capacity to handle ethnic problems in the "new environment," the president added.

Authorities should build a team of high-standard officials and professionals from ethnic minorities who are loyal to the CPC, and are highly regarded by the public, he said.

These officials must learn from each other, and promote development and unity in ethnic minority areas and protect public security.

He also asked authorities to honor more role models who have made big contributions to ethnic harmony in order to educate the public about the benefits of ethnic unity.

Senior leaders including Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun and Xi Jinping also attended the ceremony.