Beijing Holds Grand Conference to Commend Model WorkersA grand conference was held in Beijing Saturday to commend Chinese model and advanced workers as International Labor Day on May 1 approaches.Chinese President Jiang Zemin and other leaders including Li Peng, Zhu Rongji, Li Ruihuan, Hu Jintao, Wei Jianxing, and Li Lanqing attended the conference. At three o'clock this afternoon, Premier Zhu Rongji announced the opening of the conference. On behalf of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, President Jiang extended May Day greetings to workers, farmers, intellectuals, and all the working people in the country, the People's Liberation Army, the Armed Police and police, as well compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese all over the world. Wang Zongyu, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council, announced the list of model workers and advanced workers. Wang also announced the State Council's decision on commending of model workers and advanced workers. The Chinese leaders conferred certificates of honor upon the 3,000 model workers and advanced workers. Addressing the conference, Jiang, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, called on the nation to learn from the model workers and advanced personnel who were commended at the Great Hall of the People today. "The model workers and advanced personnel are the outstanding representatives of the working people in China," Jiang said. They all have made noticeable contributions to the material progress and cultural and ethical advancement of the country in their own fields. The entire nation should learn from these people, foster lofty ideals and tenacious working spirits, and arm themselves with advanced thinking and modern science and technology, the president said. In his speech, Jiang stressed that the country's reform and opening up and modernization drive serve the fundamental interests of the general public, and only with their support can these causes achieve success. All leading officials should always be concerned about the happiness and sufferings of the masses, listen to their voices, and whole-heartedly help them with their problems. At the same time, the trade unions, the Communist Youth League, and other non-government organizations should play their role as a bridge between the government and the masses, and rally them closely around the Party and government. President Jiang also reiterated that China will further enhance its unity with the working class of all nations, and make due contributions to the maintenance of their rights and interests and world peace, as well as the development and progress of all human beings. |
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