18 January 2005
U.S. Expresses Condolences at Passing of China's Zhao Ziyang
Former Communist Party leader was "champion of reform," Boucher says
On January 18, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher released a statement of condolence to the people of China and the family of former Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang, who died on January 17.
Following is the text:
(begin text)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AND POSTING
U.S. Department of State
Office of the Spokesman
For Immediate Release
January 18, 2005
2005/69
Statement by Richard Boucher, Spokesman
Death of Zhao Ziyang
We note with sorrow the passing of former Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Zhao Ziyang. Mr. Zhao was a dynamic and forward-looking leader, a champion of reform at a time of momentous change in China. We well remember that in 1989, in Tiananmen Square, Mr. Zhao went directly to the people of China, listened to their views, and engaged with them in a discussion about their desire for democracy. His love of country and unique style of leadership won him the respect of the people of China and around the world. We send our condolences to Mr. Zhao's family and loved ones, and to the people of China.
(end text)
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)
This page printed from: http://usinfo.state.gov/xarchives/display.html?p=washfile-english&y=2005&m=January&x=20050118173850AJesroM0.5951197&t=livefeeds/wf-latest.html
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