Publicity Work Must Be Conducive to Stability 　　Chinese President Jiang Zemin January 21 urged those involved in ideological and publicity work to sharpen their "political consciousness" and work diligently to create a favorable social environment for reforms and opening up. 　　"This year is of special significance for our Party and state and we will have several major events to celebrate while also having quite a number of tough issues to tackle," said Jiang, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. 　　Ideological and publicity activities must uphold the principle of "playing up positive factors" to guide and influence public opinion, Jiang told the national conference on publicity work. 　　"We should remain sober-minded toward negative factors and not highlight them, nor let them interfere with the overall strategies of our Party and government," said the president. 　　"We must take a clear-cut and firm stand on matters relating to political direction and principles and must not turn a blind eye to wrong-doings" said Jiang. "Efforts must be made to guarantee control on the publicity front and in the mainstream media." 　　He stressed that the media must not go for sensational news but instead make its reporting conducive to social stability and unity. 　　 HomeNews 1999-01-22 Page1 Full Story in Chinese