27. Oct 2009
Zhang Qingli: fight against separatism remains very serious
(AFP; Xinhua) The Communist Party secretary in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) has said the fight against separatism remains "very serious", state media reported. In a speech in the regional capital Lhasa, Zhang Qingli urged all levels of government, as well as the military, to step up efforts to ensure public order, the Tibet Daily reported. "Since 2005, we have made important contributions to safeguard overall social stability... by hitting hard and preventing separatism and by building a solid line of defence to strike at hostile people", Zhang said. But, "at present the anti-separatist struggle in our region remains very serious", the paper quoted him as saying. In his speech, Zhang praised the TAR government and people for their handling of the situation, but added: “we must strengthen the management of overall public order, make greater efforts to resolve those prominent issues that influence social order, ensure state security and safeguard social harmony and stability in our region".