Dutch premier voices concern at human rights violations in China

Aug 10, 2008

Deutsche Presse-Agentur

Amsterdam - Dutch Prime Minister Jan-Peter Balkenende voiced concern about human rights violations in China, during a meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao, Dutch newswire ANP reported Sunday.

'This issue should be discussed. I did it before, I have done it today and I will continue to do so in the future,' the Dutch prime minister was quoted as saying after the talks in Beijing.

Balkenende said he discussed freedom of press, the position of human rights activists, minority rights and the situation in Tibet.

He said Wen suggested the issues be discussed further when the Dutch premier pays an official visit to China in October.

Balkenende is paying a three-day visit to China to attend the Olympics.