Associated Press

Washington, March 18:

The United States will not propose a UN resolution critical of China’s human rights policy this year because of recent concrete steps by Beijing in the treatment of political prisoners and protection of religious services, US officials said. The decision removes one of the major flash points of the six-week session of the 53-nation UN Human Rights Commission, which began on Monday. State Department spokes-man Adam Ereli said yesterday China had taken “some important and significant steps” to improve conditions, including freeing some political prisoners, according them legal rights equal to other prisoners and respecting church services in people’s homes.

Ereli said the decision was made without regard to the imminent visit of Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice to Beijing. Ereli did indicate that a US resolution would be introduced criticising the human rights situation in Cuba. Acting Assistant Secretary Michael Kozak said the new rights for political prisoners is “a gift that keeps on giving”. He added, however, overall, “it’s a poor human rights situation.” Rep Christopher Smith questioned the administration’s decision. “We are getting progress, but it is very limited. There are thousands of political prisoners.”