October 24, 2003

The Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, Jon Stanhope, says he's had a vigorous exchange of views with the Chinese Ambassador to Australia over the treatment of the Falun Gong, which has been outlawed by Beijing.

Mr. Stanhope has been accused of undermining the Territory's relationship with China since sister city ties were established between the Australian capital Canberra and the Chinese capital Beijing.

Mr. Stanhope says he's a strong defender of human rights and doesn't intend to retreat from making his views known to the Chinese authorities:

"If you think that my sticking up for some basic rights and civil liberties is a matter that should be perhaps be brushed under the carpet in the interests of some other aspect of the relationship with Beijing, then I'm afraid you'll find me wanting."

24/10/2003 05:38:20 | ABC Radio Australia News

http://www.abc.net.au/ra/newstories/RANewsStories_973952.htm