Statement by H.E. Ambassador Sha Zukang, Head of the Chinese Delegation, at the Organizational Meeting of the 60th Session of the Commission on Human Rights(19 January 2004, Geneva)

2004/04/16

Mr. Chairman,

First of all, let me warmly congratulate you, as a very distinguished Ambassador of Australia, upon your election as Chairman of the 60th Session of the Commission on Human Rights. You deserve it. Your election has not been an easy one, as we all know for reasons not of your making.

Regional rotation for chairperson is time-honored principle and practice for more than 50 years for the Commission and other UN bodies. This principled practice should be respected. My delegation expresses its deep appreciation for the high ground gesture on the part of African Group.

China stands for preservation of the credibility of the Commission and promotion of dialogue on issues of human rights.

Now let us try our best to promote dialogue rather than confrontation, mutual respect rather than mutual humiliation so as to make the upcoming Commission Session a success.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

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