Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand

September 21, 2000

Mr. X

AUCKLAND

Dear Mr. X,

Thank you for your open letter to my parliamentary colleagues and me on Falun Dafa.

I share your concern at the Chinese government's suppression of Falun Dafa in China, and particularly with reports of practitioners being subjected to torture while detained. I have raised New Zealand's concerns on this issue with the Chinese Foreign Minister on two occasions as well as with the Chinese Ambassador. My officials also raise the issue of Falun Dafa in their regular discussions with China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In my discussions, I passed the Chinese government to respect Falun Dafa practitioners' freedom of expression. I made it clear that I was concerned about arbitrary arrest and ill treatment of Falun Dafa practitioners. These measures appeared to be contrary to universal human rights obligations to which China is a signatory. I pointed out that Falun Dafa operated within New Zealand and no problems had been experienced with it. I will continue to urge the Chinese leadership to allow Falun Dafa followers to practice their movement without restrictions.

Yours sincerely,

Hon Phil Goff

Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade

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