(Clearwisdom.net)

Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Specialist for Human Rights Policies and
Humanitarian Aid
Gerd Poppe

Berlin, November 14, 2002

Re.: Human Rights in China
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Dear Mrs. (name ommited):

The case of Xiong Wei you described in your letter to us had already come to our attention as far back as January 2002. Representatives from our legation in Beijing had contacted their Foreign Ministry repeatedly about this matter.

In addition, representatives from the German government brought up the subject during political discussions on the occasion of head of state Jiang Zemin's visit in Germany in April. These representatives handed their Chinese counterparts a list of names of people concerning human rights issues, which included Xiong Wei.

Our legation in Beijing again intervened with the person dealing in these issues at the proper channels in Beijing on November 12^th. Inquiries were specific, regarding the fate of those on the above-mentioned list. Our representatives in Beijing particularly inquired about the status of Xiong Wei. The German counterpart in Beijing promised to give this matter his full attention. The legation will continue to monitor this case.

You already know about Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer's comments regarding human rights in connection with Falun Gong during the Geneva conference. The German government is taking every opportunity to impress on the Chinese that Germany has no tolerance for harsh measures against Falun Gong in China. I myself am using every available opportunity with my Chinese discussion partners to work toward an end of the discrimination and abuse of Falun Gong followers and am working for their release.

Sincerely,

Gerd Popp (signature)