China rights talks 'open and frank': Canadian Prime Minister Paul Martin

Copyright

THE GLOBE AND MAIL

Sept 9 2005

China's record on human rights was the subject of an “open and frank” discussion Friday as Prime Minster Paul Martin met with visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao and the Canadian leader says he told his counterpart that Canada remains concerned about the situation.

The two leaders met Friday morning to discuss trade and economic ties between the two countries, but Mr. Martin told reporters later that human-rights issues remain “key” for Canadians and central to any relationship between the two countries.
“President Hu and myself have conducted open and frank discussions on human rights and governments,” Mr. Martin said following the meeting in Ottawa.

CLICK HERE to read entire GLOBE AND MAIL article on Canada's policy on human rights in China.

michael mccafferty comments:

Human rights must remain key and fundamental to any relations between Canada and China. I commend Prime Minister Paul Martin for his leadership in dealing with this very important matter.