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DATE=8/23/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=U-S / CHINA (L-ONLY)
NUMBER=2-253052
BYLINE=KYLE KING
DATELINE=STATE DEPARTMENT
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO:  The United States is urging China to end its 
investigation of an American researcher who remains 
hospitalized from serious back injuries suffered while 
in police custody.  From the State Department, VOA's 
Kyle King reports.
TEXT:  U-S consular officials have visited the injured 
American several times and have called on China to 
allow him to leave the country as soon as he is well 
enough to travel.
The American, 29 year old Daja Meston, and his 
Australian colleague, Gabriel Lafitte, were detained 
in Western China last week while investigating a 
controversial World Bank Project.
Chinese authorities say Mr. Meston was injured when he 
jumped from a third floor window in an effort to 
escape from police.
U-S officials say they have not yet drawn any firm 
conclusions about the incident but have found nothing 
so far to contradict the Chinese account.
However, U-S officials do not believe continued 
chinese investigation of Mr. Meston is warranted.  
State Department spokesman James Foley says the United 
States wants to probe to end.
            // Foley Act //
      Chinese authorities tell us their investigation 
      of Mr. Meston is suspended while he is 
      hospitalized.  We continue to urge the Chinese 
      Government to conclude all actions regarding 
      Mr.Meston and facilitate his departure from 
      China as soon as possible.
            // End Act //
Chinese officials released the Australian researcher 
after he signed a series of confessions, including the 
conducting of illegal interviews.
U-S officials say they are concerned about allegations 
made by Mr. Lafitte since he has returned home.  He 
has accused Chinese Police of engaging in intense 
psychological pressure during the detention.
Mr. Lafitte and Mr. Meston were in China to examine 
the impact of a World Bank relocation project on the 
local Tibetan population of the area.  U-S officials 
note China had previously said it would welcome 
outside scrutiny of the project. (Signed)
NEB/KBK/TVM/PT
23-Aug-1999 18:01 PM LOC (23-Aug-1999 2201 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.